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Hi everyone around, my name is Marcello, 30-years-old, living with hiv for about 5 years...I got here seeking info on histoplasmosis, something I got last June, and still recovering. In fact, tonight, I think I hadn´t recovered. I´m getting again those rashes, some chest pain and the like. Does anyone know what can I do to fight it? (besides going to the doc...something I hate.)I had Amphotericin B doses for about 11-12 days, back in July, but I did not complete the treatement...my veins were aching, I just couldn´t bare to have those needles inside me...my arms got hard from the meds...and I couldn´t afford the price of ITRACONAZOL...short on money, because of this f!*ng disease (I´m losing my job, little by little month after month). So I was kinda expecting this new attack...is there anything I can do?My T-cell count is 8. Am I really fuc*!d up?

Welcome to the Forums! It just so happens that we have another member here who's battling the dreaded histoplasmosis. I'm sure he'll check into your thread and share what he knows with you.I appreciate the troubles you're having with Amphotericin B. Ampho is pretty toxic stuff.

As for your CD4 count. 8 is a pretty rotten number doll, but I suspect you've worked that out. You say you're having difficulties affording the medications you need to keep you kicking over. Are there any non-profit or charitable organisations in Argentina who can help you out?

I'm sorry I can't be more help at this stage. Just welcome, and here's a

As I'm sure you are already aware that histoplasmosis is often seen in those with a weak immune system, such as cancer patients and of course those with HIV...this can become chronic if left untreated..you really need to start/stay on the Antifungal treatment, but I know this may not be easy for you, and I can see your numbers are not the best, so you really need to start checking out some kind of organisation who can help you..(as matty has already suggested)...you can't do this on your own, you are seriously in need of help...and all I can suggest is you do it now.

Marcello, Matty told me about your battle with Histo. I've been battling it for over a year. There is nothing that you can take OTC to battle this. Amphotericin B is the best thing on the market to get your levels down to a managable level, I've even had to take the IVs at home. I took itraconazole for a year until I was put back into the hospital. The itraconazole did not work due to it being canceled out by my HAART medication. I'm now taking Sporanox (itraconazole) liquid. 600 mg per day. 400mg per day didn't work, my Histo level went up to 52 precent. I won't know till November if my level is going back down. My ID doctor is looking into something that is not approved yet by the FDA that is a new antifungal and she's trying to get me on it. I had to give up my job which I didn't have insurance anyway, to get this medication. You might want to have your ID doctor write to the company to see if you can get your medication for free. Good luck to you and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Wow thanx so much, I really needed a quick answer, as ugly as it may appear to me...I simply didn´t know Itraconazole was a long term treatment. 1 year taking those pills? OMG.Silently is coming back, I am having the little red dots again on my face, itching a lot , a little fever, and pain in my extremities. And it´s causing me a lot of preoccupation, because last time I was hospitalized, that caused me troubles at my job. Actually, because of that, 50% of my salary has been cut off. I assume next time (hope there won´t be any at all) my boss will fire me...because of improductive time, or something. Because of that I am taking another job opportunity, beggining next Sept 18. I´m just a little afraid I won´t be able to bare 2 jobs...but in order to buy these medications, and paying the rent, of course :-) , I must work 14 hours per day. Hmmm...I dunno about those organizations around (having pills for free?). So far I am having a med coverage because I work. If I lose my job, I´ll kiss goodbye the ARV pills, too. I was having 3 days of treatment with Kaletra+AZT Complex when entering the hospital last July. Still haven´t restarted ARV treatment. You see...public hospitals are complicated, to say the least, around here. But I saw the point (big as a mountain!): I must see my doctor, she´ll know what to do.Thanks so much for your kind, yet to-the-point words...because of hiv I left behind my family, my city, my friends, so they wouldn´t have any worries or shame (Y´know). I now live thousands of miles away from them, and sometimes has become a little too lonely here. Guess I´ll stay around these forums.Have a nice week!